By Emmanuel Onwubiko
In 2019, Mr Omagbitse Barrow wrote that many Nigerians have never really thought seriously about the competencies required to be an effective legislator and using these competencies as the basis for selecting legislators and evaluating their performance.
He
then said that in case you have not reflected on this before, there are five
core competencies that every effective legislator should possess that are
acceptable all over the world and align with oversight and legislation.
He listed them but I will borrow three which are: character; communication and courage. On character, he argued that legislators as the promoters and defenders of the Constitution and the laws of Nigeria, must seek to be beyond reproach. They must have very high standards of personal integrity and conduct themselves in a disciplined and ethical manner at all times.
On the quality and attribute of strategic communication, he stated
that effective legislators must be good at listening and feeling the pulse of
the people, receiving feedback from their constituents, analyzing and
synthesizing the information they receive, negotiating, giving feedback to
others, articulating their thoughts in writing, and communicating verbally with
others.
On the third leg, which is courage, his view is that for citizens to
be effective as legislators, they need to have the courage to speak truth to
power regardless of whose ox is gored. They must have a clear vision about what
they want to achieve, the principles and values they stand for and have the
courage to maintain the course, fight the good fight, and leave out the purpose
of their lives as legislators.
On the other hand, a foreign scholar, Ed Petrick, writing about a
certain Western democracy did a piece on October 18, 2022 and asked: What are
the qualities that make a good elected official or legislator?
He said too, that a good law maker should not have any of the
three “curses” that afflict politics, capitalism, and families: viz -ego;
self-enrichment and abuse of power.
We are now to reflect on the kind of national legislature that
Nigeria has, which is the lowest we have ever had since Nigeria gained
independence in 1960. The National Assembly of 2023 is such that is led by
stooges of President Bola Tinubu who can’t speak truth to power and who do not
have those great attributes aforementioned.
This is so, because, Mr. Godswill Akpabio’s ongoing tenure as
Senate President has been marred by a litany of controversies, accusations, and
a concerning lack of autonomy within the Nigerian National Assembly.
Because of his history as a two-term Governor of Akwa Ibom State,
a former Minority Leader of the Senate, and a minister for four years under
President Muhammadu Buhari, Akpabio was expected to have the necessary
experience to lead the Senate. However, he soon learned that he needed more to
be the first among equals.
The
argument over the proposed 40 percent increase in the price of power was his
first significant duty. After a lengthy discussion on the subject, the newly
elected senators unanimously decided that the federal agencies in charge of the
policy should be stopped immediately.
The admirable choice, nonetheless, led to criticism against
Akpabio and then 10th Senate after a video clip showing how the decision was
made on an extra prayer asking that the nation’s energy regulating authority
grant impoverished Nigerians access to air went viral.
Because the senators were laughing before and after the supplementary prayer
was taken and accepted, many Nigerians who saw the viral video accused the
Akpabio-led red chamber of being callous to the suffering of the people.
Again, Akpabio’s leadership has faced allegations of manipulating
the screening process for ministerial nominees. These claims suggest a
disregard for due process and transparency in vetting candidates for key
government positions. Such manipulation can undermine the integrity of the
National Assembly and hinder its role as a check and balance on the executive
branch.
The Senate had claimed it delayed the commencement of its annual
vacation by about 10 days to enable it screen the ministerial nominees sent for
confirmation by President Tinubu. However, Akpabio’s parting words to his
colleagues after the screening exercise when he informed them that the National
Assembly Management had paid a token to their accounts for their enjoyment
during their annual vacation, earned him attacks from within and outside the
chambers.
The development came at a time when federal legislators were
battling hard to explain their express approval of the $800 million World Bank
Loan and the N500 billion Supplementary Budget for President Tinubu, which
included a N7 billion package for the National Assembly to make a working
environment conducive for the lawmakers.
More troubling is the timing of this revelation, which was deeply
concerning, especially in the wake of the controversial ministerial screening
process. Some Civil Society Organisations, such as the Human Rights Writers
Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expressed concerns over the alleged admission
by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of the disbursement of funds running
into billions of naira to senators for holiday purposes.
Perhaps one of the most unsettling accusations of Akpabio’s
leadership of the National Assembly is the alleged “romance” with the Executive
arm. Such allegations raise concerns about the undue influence of external
figures on the National Assembly’s leadership, potentially compromising its
autonomy and integrity.
While some view these allegations as mere political rhetorics,
others argue that they represent a deeper problem within the Nigerian political
landscape. Accusations of a “romance” with the executive arm are significant
for several reasons.
First,
they raise concerns about the true independence of the National Assembly. If
the leader of the Senate is perceived to be closely aligned with the President,
it can cast doubt on the legislature’s ability to act as a check and balance on
the executive branch.
Furthermore, such allegations can erode public trust in the
democratic process. If citizens believe that Senate leadership is determined by
backroom deals rather than democratic principles, it can lead to
disillusionment and disengagement from the political system.
Another critical issue has been the creation of instability within
the Senate through the appointment of committee leaders. By allegedly
marginalizing some ranking senators in the chairmanship and vice chairmanship
of influential committees, Akpabio has sowed seeds of discord among his peers.
This discord can lead to inefficiency and hinder the legislative process.
The creation of instability within the Senate is significant due
to its potential impact on legislative effectiveness. A cohesive and united
Senate is more likely to make informed decisions and pass meaningful
legislation. Discord and infighting can hinder the ability of the National
Assembly to address critical issues and fulfill its legislative
responsibilities.
Furthermore, allegations of favouritism in committee assignments
can undermine the principles of merit and competence, which should guide such
decisions. If committee leadership positions are not based on qualifications
and experience, it can compromise the quality of legislative work.
Beyond these specific allegations, in recent times, Senator Ali
Ndume, who is also the Chief Whip of the Senate has raised concerns about
Akpabio’s leadership style, accusing him of insensitivity, unreliability, and a
penchant for joking inappropriately that have left some questioning his
suitability for the position of Senate President. These claims suggest that
leadership qualities are essential to ensuring the smooth functioning of the
National Assembly.
Specifically, in the lead-up to an impending Senators’ retooling
retreat, the Nigerian Senate was embroiled in a fresh controversy triggered by
a parliamentary blunder made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This alleged blunder has culminated in a dramatic showdown within
the Senate, unveiling an escalating conflict between Akpabio and Senator Ali
Ndume. This internal strife evolved just four months after the inauguration of
the 10th National Assembly, where Ndume played a pivotal role in Akpabio’s rise
to Senate President.
The
roots of this animosity can be traced back to an incident two months prior,
when Ndume publicly declared that some Senators were contemplating drastic
action against Akpabio. This was in response to Akpabio’s inadvertent
revelation that Senators had received a ‘holiday allowance’ in their bank
accounts, sparking public outrage due to the economic challenges faced by many
Nigerians. Senator Ndume defended the allowance as a standard practice for
Senators and criticized Akpabio for misrepresenting the situation.
The recent feud erupted during a Senate session, approximately 10
minutes after it commenced, when Ndume raised a point of order. He sought to
address an error in a motion presented by Senator Summaila Kawu, which omitted
the motion’s title. Citing Senate Order 51, Ndume emphasized the importance of
rectifying any errors observed during proceedings. He stated that adherence to
rules and procedures was vital, declaring that “nobody is too big to learn.”
Akpabio, however, staunchly rejected Ndume’s request, insisting
that once issues were ruled upon, they could not be revisited. Senator Sunday
Karimi attempted to support Ndume’s argument with another point of order, but
both Senators were swiftly ruled out of order by Akpabio. The tension culminated
in Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, invoking Order 16 to enforce the
rule, necessitating a substantive motion for the correction or review of
previous decisions, a ruling promptly upheld by Akpabio.
Ndume, undeterred, invoked another point of order, Order 54, to
demand correction of the perceived error. However, Akpabio again ruled him out
of order. This impasse led to an infuriated Ndume storming out of the chamber.
Senators convened a closed-door session amidst the uproar, and Ndume later
returned after receiving a call indicating that the Senate had moved into a
closed session.
Another snag that has hit Akpabio’s controversial leadership has
been the conspicuous consumption by members of the National Assembly. The
purchase of lavish cars, often financed by taxpayers, has garnered criticism
from the public.
In response to this, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability
Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against alleged involvement of Godswill
Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas in plans to
spend N40 billion on 465 luxury and bulletproof cars for members and officials,
as well as an additional N70 billion as palliatives for new members.
SERAP is seeking a court order to compel Akpabio and Abbas to
revise the Supplementary Appropriation Act 2022 to reduce the National
Assembly’s budget by N110 billion in line with the current economic situation.
Yet, another bone of contention is the controversial practice of
former governors, now serving as senators, receiving double salaries.
With
the exception of the former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, it has been
reported that these ex-governors collect salaries from both the National
Assembly and their respective state governments. This raises ethical and
financial concerns, suggesting a misuse of public resources.
To address these issues and salvage the reputation of the National
Assembly, a set of comprehensive reforms is imperative. The process of choosing
Senate leadership should be transparent and democratic, free from external
influences. Competitive elections will ensure that leaders truly represent the
will of the members.
Lawmakers should exercise fiscal prudence and prioritize public
funds for the betterment of their constituents. Extravagant purchases,
particularly when funded by public money, should be replaced with judicious
budgetary decisions.
The contentious practice of awarding double salaries to
ex-governors now serving as senators must be abolished. Uniform compensation
should be provided to all senators in accordance with established legal
frameworks.
The National Assembly must bolster its oversight functions to
ensure that public funds are judiciously employed for the people’s welfare.
Robust accountability mechanisms are pivotal to prevent financial mismanagement.
Lawmakers should engage actively with their constituents, gaining
insights into their needs and concerns. Public input should become an integral
part of legislative decisions to truly reflect the interests of the Nigerian
people. Internal disputes and conflicts within the Senate leadership must be
amicably resolved, promoting a harmonious front to serve the Nigerian populace
more effectively.
Godswill Akpabio’s ongoing controversial tenure as Senate
President has seen a plethora of accusations, discord, and allegations of
misconduct. Addressing these multifaceted issues is imperative to restore the
National Assembly’s reputation and ensure its role as a transparent,
accountable, and independent legislative body.
Reforms in leadership selection, adherence to due process,
merit-based committee appointments, and the demonstration of essential
leadership qualities are essential for a more efficient and functional National
Assembly that can better serve the Nigerian people.
In conclusion, the allegations and controversies surrounding
Godswill Akpabio’s leadership have cast a shadow over the National Assembly’s
integrity and effectiveness. Addressing these issues through comprehensive
reforms is vital to restore public trust, promote transparency, and ensure that
the legislative body fulfills its role as a check and balance on the executive
branch.
*Onwubiko
is the Head of Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria and was National
Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria.
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